Stephens’ touchdown catch, late interception lift Wildcats

FAIRFIELD — Springfield coach Maurice Douglass knows his team isn’t flashy.

Douglass said his squad understands it will have to grind its way to victories.

Unfortunately for the Fairfield Indians, the Wildcats put that attitude on full display at Fairfield Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In a game delayed from Friday night because of weather, Springfield (2-0) spent much of the day bottled up but used big plays late to edge the Indians 15-14.

Larry Stephens made a spectacular 35-yard touchdown catch with 1:13 left, and Wildcats quarterback Raheim Moss ran in the twopoint conversion to stun the Indians (1-1).

“We always talk about the grind,” said Douglass afterward while surrounded by his celebrating team. “I couldn’t be prouder of our guys, especially on (defense). Just, God bless us. (Stephens) made a big play. He had to redeem himself.”

Stephens fumbled a punt at the Fairfield 35 late in the game but came up with a game-ending interception after his TD catch.

Fairfield grabbed a 14-7 lead on the last play before weather hit Friday night but never found a rhythm Saturday behind backup quarterback Sawiaha Ellis.

Ellis did pick up 66 yards rushing but completed only 4 of 9 passes for minus-1 yard and one turnover.

“(Ellis) did a great job for us,” Fairfield coach Jason Krause said. “He gave us a chance. We make a chip shot field goal we win. You have to make plays when you play good teams, and we didn’t at the end.”

Fairfield quarterback Jeff Tyus, who was 10 of 15 for 82 yards and a TD, missed the resumption Saturday with a shoulder injury. Tyus’ last play was a 15-yard scoring toss to put the Indians up 14-7.

The Indians had a chance to possibly seal the game, but following a long drive after Stephens’ fumble, they missed a 30-yard field goal. Following an interception, the Indians went three and out and punted with two minutes left.

Springfield needed three plays to cover 77 yards to cut the gap to one.

On the two-point conversion, Douglass said it was an easy decision.

“We didn’t have our kicker, ”Douglass said. “We had a miscommunication after Friday, and he didn’t make the trip Saturday.”

Fairfield will be at Hamilton this next week.